SRINAGAR FEBRUARY 23: Joint Director Information Kashmir، Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari today expressed profound grief over the sad demise of Bureau Chief of Kolkata TV, Naseer Ahmad, who passed away Saturday after a brief illness.

In his condolence message, the Joint Director said that the demise of Naseer Ahmad has left a deep void in the journalistic circles which will be impossible to fill for the years to come. He described him a thorough professional, self respecting and great human being.

While expressing sympathies with the bereaved family, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari prayed for peace to the departed soul and much needed strength to the bereaved to bear the inconsolable loss. He added that Naseer’s demise is a huge personal loss to most of us.

Kupwara, February 23:- BJP Media Incharge Kashmir, Adv Sajid Yousuf Shah, presided over a “Budget Pe Charcha” event at Town Hall Kupwara to discuss the Union Budget 2025-26 with key stakeholders. The event brought together leaders from the Trade Body Kupwara, NGOs, Civil Society, and Transport Associations, Fruit and Hawkers association for an insightful discussion.

Kupwara witnessed an engaging and interactive session as Adv. Sajid Yousuf Shah engaged with stakeholders from various sectors. The event provided a platform for business leaders, industry representatives, and community members to voice their concerns and expectations regarding the recently announced budget.

A diverse group of stakeholders actively participated in the discussion, including representatives from the trade sector, civil society, hoteliers, and other industries.

Shah welcomed various opinions and assured the participants that their feedback would be conveyed to the relevant authorities for review. He highlighted the government’s commitment to regional development and stressed the importance of public-private collaboration in driving economic progress.

Acknowledging the crucial role of tourism and handicrafts in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, Shah assured that the government would explore policy measures to further support these sectors. The discussion also focused on increasing financial assistance for saffron and apple growers, improving market access for fruit producers, and boosting the industrial sector to enhance employment opportunities.

Additionally, Shah emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism in the district, particularly in Bungus, Lolab, and Drangyari, while advocating for environmental conservation, wetland preservation, and houseboat rehabilitation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly tourism policies while ensuring that the livelihoods of local communities remain secure.

The event was attended by several party cadres, including Nazir Bhat, Adv. Sajad Ganie, Sheikh Mohammad Iqbal, Hafizullah Bakshi, Malik Gulzar, Choudhary Fareed, Lone Zahoor, Mir Basharat, Syed Basharat, Shah Iqbal, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, constituency presidents, Other morchas and other Senior party leaders.

GAASH Academy Students Shine in JKBOSE Results 2025

Baramulla, Feb 22 : Old Town Baramulla is now experiencing a positive transformation, thanks to initiatives like GAASH Academy, which represents a significant change from its past reputation for agitations and limited educational opportunities.

Run by philanthropist  Sheikh Mudasir, GAASH Academy provides free educational assistance to around 80 underprivileged children and orphans from kindergarten to Class X. The academy is committed to channeling the energies of these children towards positivity and modern education. 

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Dagger Division, along with the Baramulla Brigade Commander, visited GAASH Academy on 22 Feb 2025, to felicitate the achievers and encourage this noble endeavor. 

Mr. Minga Sherpa, DC Baramulla, also acknowledged the young students and praised the efforts of GAASH Academy and the District Administration in educating the aspirational children of Old Town, Baramulla. Ms. Nilofar, Sr. Advocate, and Mr. Altaf, ASP, Baramulla, along with other dignitaries, including Mohalla Presidents and Maulwis, were present. 

During the visit, the GOC interacted with the proud parents, who expressed their gratitude towards Mr. Mudasir for his contributions to their children’s education and also thanked the Army for their continued encouragement and support. 

To further support these efforts, sports kits and stationery were presented to the academy, along with financial aid of Rs. 4 lakhs. The Army had previously sponsored a computer system, generator, furniture, blankets, and other amenities to sustain the initiative. 

The principals and teachers from various schools in Baramulla emphasized the crucial role of education in fostering the holistic development of children to the parents, particularly in light of their commendable performance in recent exams. They underscored its significance in shaping a prosperous future for Kashmir. Ms. Sonabar Wani, one of the teachers present, was overwhelmed and said, “All thanks to the Indian Army, today our children have this platform, wherein I am witnessing my student improving from 38% to 83% in this year’s exams.” 

Mr. Mudasir expressed his gratitude for the visit and the support, stating, “I am deeply thankful to the Indian Army and the District Administration for their unwavering support and encouragement. I urge all parents to encourage their children to pursue education diligently, as it is the key to a brighter and more prosperous future.” Sheikh Mudasir, who was a schoolboy in early 2000s Kashmir, was misled into separatist ideology, leading him to drop out and join protests as a stone thrower and eventually align with Hizbul Mujahideen. Now, at 36 and battling a brain tumor, he counsels youth in Old Town to pursue education and join the mainstream, despite threats. “Don’t ruin your lives,” he warns, reflecting on his past. 

GAASH Academy’s impact is evident in the recent JKBOSE exams, where all the students from the academy passed with flying colors. The top scorers include: 

1. Mohd Riyaan: 98% 

2. Zainab: 98% 

3. Haider: 96% 

4. Fatima: 96% 

5. Arbeen Javed: 96% 

6. Mohd Ayaan: 96% 

7. Ayat Asgar: 95.2% 

8. Aamina Ajaz: 94% 

9. Mehrunisa: 93.4% 

10. Qurat-ul-Ain: 93.1% 

11. Junaid: 92.6% 

12. Safiya: 92.5% 

13. Mohd Zeeshan: 92.3% 

14. Manan Khusheed: 91.7% 

15. Tahoora: 91.5% 

16. Ajmal Salaam Lone: 91.5% 

17. Umaima Tariq: 91% 

The success of these students showcases the positive impact of the GAASH Academy initiative in channeling the energies of the children towards academic excellence and personal development. 

The Dagger Division has been focusing on women empowerment and youth engagement initiatives in Baramulla. Their notable efforts include the Chinar YUVA Centre, a skill development hub for underprivileged youth, and the Dagger Parivaar School, the only educational and care facility for specially-abled children in the district. Parents in Old Town are particularly thankful to the Army for providing encouragement and opportunities to their children in Baramulla.